Republicans Duel Over Election Reforms

The Texas House approved a measure tonight that would change the dates of Texas carries primary and runoff elections in a bid to give soldiers and sailors serving overseas a better chance to participate in the process.

Passage of this legislation was needed to comply with the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act, which mandates ballots be provided to military personnel at least 45 days before an election.

To meet the requirements, the bill introduced by Rep. Van Taylor, R-Taylor, would have moved Texas’ primary elections from early March to the first Tuesday in April and would move the primary runoffs to third Tuesday in June. Currently primary runoffs occur six weeks after initial vote.

“These men and women, who are serving their country and in many cases risking their lives, deserve above all others to exercise their right to vote in this election year,” said Rep Van Taylor, quoting President Harry Truman.

However, the debate grew contentious when Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, introduced an amendment to align the House more closely with the Senate bill. His proposal would keep the primary date where it currently is and would move the runoff to the fourth Tuesday in May.

Branch said that it was important to keep the primary date where it currently is to help maintain what little relevance the Texas primaries have in national politics. He also said that it would keep the election dates for the primaries and the runoffs away from vacation when people won’t be home to vote.

After Rep. Charlie Geren and a couple of other legislators rose to speak in favor, the scene quickly devolved from your average floor to something much more intense and personal.

Taylor began by saying, “I served in the Marine Corps, so this is a pretty personal issue for me. I mean, right now…”

Branch interrupted, although it’s a practice that’s completely common on the floor, and said, “And we’re grateful for your service.”

Taylor harshly shot back, “I’m not asking for that.”

It got worse from there.

Taylor then accused Branch of not honoring the service, a charge that Branch disputed.

“Do you realize that this amendment…,” Taylor said.

Branch then said that he was unhappy with some of the provisions of the Federal law. Then Taylor accused Branch of not consulting him before bringing the amendment.

“We had these discussions about this very concept on multiple occasions on this floor,” Branch shot back.

Taylor then stood at the back mic silently for a good long while, that seemed like much longer than it actually was.